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Otherwise Engaged: A Novel
A twisty, tender and wise look at how secrets can transform the powerful—and sometimes problematic—bond between mothers and daughters, from #1 New York Times bestselling author Susan Mallery.
When Shannon gets engaged, her beloved mom, Cindy, is the first person she wants to tell—and the last. Cindy’s engaged, too, and has already hinted at a double wedding. The image of a synchronized bouquet toss with her mom fills Shannon with horror. She’ll keep her engagement a secret until Cindy’s I-dos are done.
Victoria has never been proper enough for her mother, Ava, so she stopped trying. She lives on her own terms and amuses herself by pushing Ava’s buttons. Ava loves but doesn’t understand her stuntwoman daughter. When a movie-set mishap brings Victoria home, Ava longs to finally connect.
Chance brings the four women together at a wedding venue, where a shocking secret comes tumbling out. Twenty-four years ago, desperate teenager Cindy chose wealthy Ava to adopt her baby—then changed her mind at the very last second. The loss rocked Ava’s world, leaving her unable to open her heart to the daughter she did adopt, Victoria. As Shannon and Victoria deal with the fallout from the decisions their mothers made, they wrestle with whether who they are is different than who they might have become.
When Shannon gets engaged, her beloved mom, Cindy, is the first person she wants to tell—and the last. Cindy’s engaged, too, and has already hinted at a double wedding. The image of a synchronized bouquet toss with her mom fills Shannon with horror. She’ll keep her engagement a secret until Cindy’s I-dos are done.
Victoria has never been proper enough for her mother, Ava, so she stopped trying. She lives on her own terms and amuses herself by pushing Ava’s buttons. Ava loves but doesn’t understand her stuntwoman daughter. When a movie-set mishap brings Victoria home, Ava longs to finally connect.
Chance brings the four women together at a wedding venue, where a shocking secret comes tumbling out. Twenty-four years ago, desperate teenager Cindy chose wealthy Ava to adopt her baby—then changed her mind at the very last second. The loss rocked Ava’s world, leaving her unable to open her heart to the daughter she did adopt, Victoria. As Shannon and Victoria deal with the fallout from the decisions their mothers made, they wrestle with whether who they are is different than who they might have become.
366 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 4, 2025
919 people are currently reading
14608 people want to read
About the author
Susan Mallery
865 books15.5k followers#1 New York Times bestselling author Susan Mallery writes heartwarming and humorous novels about the relationships that define women's lives—family, friendship, romance. She's best known for putting nuanced characters into emotionally complex, real-life situations with twists that surprise readers to laughter. Because Susan is passionate about animal welfare, pets play a big role in her books. Beloved by millions of readers worldwide, her books have been translated into 28 languages.
Critics have dubbed Mallery "the new queen of romantic fiction." (Walmart) Booklist says, "Romance novels don't get much better than Mallery's expert blend of emotional nuance, humor, and superb storytelling," and RT Book Reviews puts her "in a class by herself!" It's no wonder that her books have spent more than 200 weeks on the USA Today bestsellers list.
Although Susan majored in Accounting, she never worked as an accountant because she was published straight out of college with two books the same month. Sixteen prolific years and seventy-four books later, she hit the New York Times bestsellers list for the first time with Accidentally Yours in 2008. She made many appearances in the Top 10 before (finally) hitting #1 in 2015 with Thrill Me, the twentieth book in her most popular series, the Fool's Gold romances, and the fourth of five books released that year.
Susan lives in Washington state with her husband, two ragdoll cats, and a small poodle with delusions of grandeur. Her heart for animals has led Susan to become an active supporter of the Seattle Humane Society. Visit Susan online at www.SusanMallery.com.
Critics have dubbed Mallery "the new queen of romantic fiction." (Walmart) Booklist says, "Romance novels don't get much better than Mallery's expert blend of emotional nuance, humor, and superb storytelling," and RT Book Reviews puts her "in a class by herself!" It's no wonder that her books have spent more than 200 weeks on the USA Today bestsellers list.
Although Susan majored in Accounting, she never worked as an accountant because she was published straight out of college with two books the same month. Sixteen prolific years and seventy-four books later, she hit the New York Times bestsellers list for the first time with Accidentally Yours in 2008. She made many appearances in the Top 10 before (finally) hitting #1 in 2015 with Thrill Me, the twentieth book in her most popular series, the Fool's Gold romances, and the fourth of five books released that year.
Susan lives in Washington state with her husband, two ragdoll cats, and a small poodle with delusions of grandeur. Her heart for animals has led Susan to become an active supporter of the Seattle Humane Society. Visit Susan online at www.SusanMallery.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 508 reviews
June 13, 2025
Otherwise Engaged by Susan Mallery. Wow, I was totally shocked at the ending. I was reading the questions at the end of the book thinking, surely that was not it. It was so abrupt in my opinion. I enjoyed the book overall. Thank you to #NetGalley and #Harlequin Trade Publishing for this Arc. Releases Nov 4. 2025
January 19, 2026
"A twisty, tender and wise look at how secrets can transform the powerful—and sometimes problematic—bond between mothers and daughters, from #1 New York Times bestselling author Susan Mallery."
Shannon is keeping secrets from her mother Cindy. They have always been close and she also works for her. She would like to move forward in life but lacks the confidence.
Victoria is a Hollywood stunt double and close to her father. She feels she's never measured up to her mother Ava's expectations. When the four women meet by chance at a wedding venue, they learn that Cindy and Ava have a past. Ava was supposed to adopt Shannon but Cindy backed out at the last minute. Now Victoria feels second best and betrayed. Will they be able to move forward after this shocking revelation?
This book had all the makings of a heartfelt family drama but it fell a bit short for me. I wasn't fully engaged with the characters and the dialogue felt somewhat forced. The ending was quite abrupt and left a lot of things unresolved. The final conclusion was the author's take on charcuterie boards? I'm confused. The audiobook performance by Tanya Eby is good.
Many thanks to NetGalley, Harlequin Audio and Susan Mallery for an advance listening copy. All opinions are my own.🎧
Shannon is keeping secrets from her mother Cindy. They have always been close and she also works for her. She would like to move forward in life but lacks the confidence.
Victoria is a Hollywood stunt double and close to her father. She feels she's never measured up to her mother Ava's expectations. When the four women meet by chance at a wedding venue, they learn that Cindy and Ava have a past. Ava was supposed to adopt Shannon but Cindy backed out at the last minute. Now Victoria feels second best and betrayed. Will they be able to move forward after this shocking revelation?
This book had all the makings of a heartfelt family drama but it fell a bit short for me. I wasn't fully engaged with the characters and the dialogue felt somewhat forced. The ending was quite abrupt and left a lot of things unresolved. The final conclusion was the author's take on charcuterie boards? I'm confused. The audiobook performance by Tanya Eby is good.
Many thanks to NetGalley, Harlequin Audio and Susan Mallery for an advance listening copy. All opinions are my own.🎧
January 13, 2026
Is it possible that Mallery wrote this book just to let the world know how strongly she feels about the charcuterie boards? I feel like that chance is not zero. Charcuterie boards played a very large role in this novel.
I feel a little bad bashing this book because I think I may not be the intended audience. I could see another reader, maybe someone a bit older, enjoying all the descriptions of food (every meal!) and all the moral lessons. It was not for me.
The characters seemed a bit cartoonish to me, especially the younger women. Who has their life figured out at 24? And who just straight up tells people, “I’m in it for the orgasm?” (An explanation from a “tough” young woman who got hurt by a man once and now trusts no one, insisting she “does not do relationships.”)
Other wtf moments:
- the rich couple repeatedly says it would have been “better” if the baby they wanted to adopt had died instead of its mother changing her mind and deciding to keep it, because the baby was lost to them but not TRULY lost, still living their life a few miles away. I kid you not, pardon the pun.
- speaking of repetitions - Mallery wants to make sure we keep track of the plot, so every single thing and conversation keeps repeating over and over, until it is all chewed up, like a mama bird feeding her young with the regurgitated worm.
- nepotism is on full display and gets zero negative connotation. Victoria gets a job in Hollywood thanks to her father. Her family buys her a condo. Shannon steals a spot at a prestigious cinematography class from a deserving student. Not her fault, really, but Ava should have known better
- so many unfinished storylines! What happened to the kitchen project? Are Cindy and Ava related? (The novel talks about the rifle on the wall rule yet constantly tells us the two women looked like sisters and it never went anywhere.) Will the screenplay work out? How will the wedding/weddings go? The whole setup of the both families trying to book the same venue and Ava specifically wanting to get the entire property- I thought for sure there was going to be some sort of “we booked this place first” drama.
- body shaming aspect - Victoria keeps saying how much weight she has gained and what she needs to do to get back in shape (the woman has a broken leg and two black eyes). Do we need that sort of energy?
Thank you, NetGalley, for sharing an advanced reader’s copy in exchange for my honest review.
I feel a little bad bashing this book because I think I may not be the intended audience. I could see another reader, maybe someone a bit older, enjoying all the descriptions of food (every meal!) and all the moral lessons. It was not for me.
The characters seemed a bit cartoonish to me, especially the younger women. Who has their life figured out at 24? And who just straight up tells people, “I’m in it for the orgasm?” (An explanation from a “tough” young woman who got hurt by a man once and now trusts no one, insisting she “does not do relationships.”)
Other wtf moments:
- the rich couple repeatedly says it would have been “better” if the baby they wanted to adopt had died instead of its mother changing her mind and deciding to keep it, because the baby was lost to them but not TRULY lost, still living their life a few miles away. I kid you not, pardon the pun.
- speaking of repetitions - Mallery wants to make sure we keep track of the plot, so every single thing and conversation keeps repeating over and over, until it is all chewed up, like a mama bird feeding her young with the regurgitated worm.
- nepotism is on full display and gets zero negative connotation. Victoria gets a job in Hollywood thanks to her father. Her family buys her a condo. Shannon steals a spot at a prestigious cinematography class from a deserving student. Not her fault, really, but Ava should have known better
- so many unfinished storylines! What happened to the kitchen project? Are Cindy and Ava related? (The novel talks about the rifle on the wall rule yet constantly tells us the two women looked like sisters and it never went anywhere.) Will the screenplay work out? How will the wedding/weddings go? The whole setup of the both families trying to book the same venue and Ava specifically wanting to get the entire property- I thought for sure there was going to be some sort of “we booked this place first” drama.
- body shaming aspect - Victoria keeps saying how much weight she has gained and what she needs to do to get back in shape (the woman has a broken leg and two black eyes). Do we need that sort of energy?
Thank you, NetGalley, for sharing an advanced reader’s copy in exchange for my honest review.
November 24, 2025
I usually like anything by Susan Mallery, but this book didn't entertain me, or enlighten me - it just annoyed me.
I finally gave up at about 3/4 of the way through.
It sounded like a good premise - a broken adoption promise, a chance meet up and take it from there. However, there are just too many things going on at once. 4 women, all main characters, 4 sets of problems, and 4 annoying people repeatedly bemoaning their problems and/or fate in life.
I need to be entertained, not bored, annoyed, wanting to put these women's heads through a wall and yell at them to pull up their big girl panties and get on with it...
*ARC supplied by the publisher MIRA, the author, and NetGalley.
I finally gave up at about 3/4 of the way through.
It sounded like a good premise - a broken adoption promise, a chance meet up and take it from there. However, there are just too many things going on at once. 4 women, all main characters, 4 sets of problems, and 4 annoying people repeatedly bemoaning their problems and/or fate in life.
I need to be entertained, not bored, annoyed, wanting to put these women's heads through a wall and yell at them to pull up their big girl panties and get on with it...
*ARC supplied by the publisher MIRA, the author, and NetGalley.
January 19, 2026
3.5 stars
November 6, 2025
As usual, Susan Mallery's books are easy to read and are enjoyable. The concept for this book was interesting. It is about the relationship between two mothers and two daughters tied to adoption and birth. For me, the beginning of the story was a little confusing with so many characters, but it eventually settled down and made sense, and I liked the story. Although the concept was good, I felt like most of the characters were annoying and needed to get on with their life. I did like the two male characters. Unfortunately, the ending was abrupt. No closure or epilogue. I felt like it just ended. I normally enjoy Susan Mallery books, but this book was a miss for me.
October 14, 2025
Thank you NetGalley for giving me an advanced copy of this book. I did not like any of the female characters. Most of the time, I keep thinking these women are nuts and need to get on with their life, to stop dwelling on the past. I honestly don't know why anyone would want to be around them. I found them very self centered and miserable. The writing was good but sometimes the descriptions were too long, so I would tend to skim those paragraphs. I normally enjoy Susan Mallery books but this would be a miss for me.
November 13, 2025
Another great one by this author. Shannon and Cindy, and Ava and Victoria - quite the duos. The history between the families and the loss was well written. I enjoyed listening and reading this one, but felt disappointed with the ending. Mostly everything was wrapped up but it seemed to fall a little short after everything was built up during the course of the story. Perhaps there will be a sequel..
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC
January 7, 2026
Otherwise Engaged by Susan Mallery is a contemporary romance set in modern-day California. The story centers on a fake engagement that’s meant to solve problems but quickly turns complicated. While the premise is light and fun, many of the characters come across as emotionally immature and childish, sometimes bordering on annoying rather than charming. It’s an easy, quick read, but the character behavior can make it hard to fully connect with the story.
January 4, 2026
An emotional reflection of mother daughter relationships and how they shape who we become as adults. At times, the characters became a bit whiney and overbearing, and the ending is rather abrupt, therefore the 3 stars.
October 26, 2025
This was a beautiful, yet heart-wrenching read. Shows the difficult times between two mothers and their daughters… But also, the beautiful times. When you’re about to give up, but there’s that one person who you know you can depend on through thick and thin, good and bad…
BUT, I have to say, I had absolutely no idea what was going on in the beginning. There were four woman interacting, but I had no clue who was who, or how they were coming together… at least for a little while…
But then when they finally did? Wow!!! Dynamite!!
Shannon and Cindy have a good relationship. Cindy, the Mom, just got engaged… and she’s trying to plan the wedding.
Shannon has a great guy in Aaron, and they’ve been together for a long time. Cindy is really hoping that Aaron proposes so that they can do a double wedding! 🙏🏼🤔
Ava (Mom) and Victoria do not have a great relationship. Victoria thinks that nothing she ever does is ok with her Mom… but she’s not sure why. She does have a great relationship with her Dad though.
And, Victoria is currently out of commission… she’s a stunt double, and she just got thrown from a truck and is injured! 😮 Also, as an aside, her family has money… a lot of it.
So, this is the cast. And it’s a lot!
And you will grow to love each and every one of them… and, hate them too!
It’s an interesting combination, and situation… and, just when you think that nothing is making any sense… well, the pieces all just start to click together…
And the ending…. 🥹😮😭😊🩷
4 1/2 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 for me,happily rounded up to 5!
#OtherwiseEmgaged by @SusanMallery and narrated nicely by @TanyaEby.
This one has NOT BEEN RELEASED YET!! Look 👀 for it on shelves soon, on 11/4/25!
Thanks so much to @NetGalley and @HarlequinAudio for an ALC of the audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
You can find my reviews on: Goodreads,
Instagram: @BookReviews_with_emsr and/or
My Facebook Book Club: Book Reviews With Elaine
Thanks so much for reading! And if you ‘liked’ my review, please share with your friends, & click ‘LIKE’ below… And, let me know YOUR thoughts if you read it!! 📚⭐️
BUT, I have to say, I had absolutely no idea what was going on in the beginning. There were four woman interacting, but I had no clue who was who, or how they were coming together… at least for a little while…
But then when they finally did? Wow!!! Dynamite!!
Shannon and Cindy have a good relationship. Cindy, the Mom, just got engaged… and she’s trying to plan the wedding.
Shannon has a great guy in Aaron, and they’ve been together for a long time. Cindy is really hoping that Aaron proposes so that they can do a double wedding! 🙏🏼🤔
Ava (Mom) and Victoria do not have a great relationship. Victoria thinks that nothing she ever does is ok with her Mom… but she’s not sure why. She does have a great relationship with her Dad though.
And, Victoria is currently out of commission… she’s a stunt double, and she just got thrown from a truck and is injured! 😮 Also, as an aside, her family has money… a lot of it.
So, this is the cast. And it’s a lot!
And you will grow to love each and every one of them… and, hate them too!
It’s an interesting combination, and situation… and, just when you think that nothing is making any sense… well, the pieces all just start to click together…
And the ending…. 🥹😮😭😊🩷
4 1/2 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 for me,happily rounded up to 5!
#OtherwiseEmgaged by @SusanMallery and narrated nicely by @TanyaEby.
This one has NOT BEEN RELEASED YET!! Look 👀 for it on shelves soon, on 11/4/25!
Thanks so much to @NetGalley and @HarlequinAudio for an ALC of the audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
You can find my reviews on: Goodreads,
Instagram: @BookReviews_with_emsr and/or
My Facebook Book Club: Book Reviews With Elaine
Thanks so much for reading! And if you ‘liked’ my review, please share with your friends, & click ‘LIKE’ below… And, let me know YOUR thoughts if you read it!! 📚⭐️
October 9, 2025
I am not sure what it was about this book but honestly the daughter characters kind of annoyed me. As 20-something’s they just decide their narrative of family issues is the correct one and don’t deviate from that until the very end. It just felt repetitive and like they were spoiled. I usually enjoy Susan Mallery books but this one was a miss for me- I was just annoyed and disappointed.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 18, 2025
Otherwise Engaged by Susan Mallery (2025)
11h narrated by Tanya Eby, 368 pages
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Featuring: Parents, Stuntwoman, Los Angeles, California; Sexagenarians, Vicenarians, Siblings, Family Dynamics, Crossroads, Engaged Couples, Mother-Daughter Relationships, Family Secrets, Wedding Planning, Adoption Story, Affluent Family, Found Family, Not Looking For Commitment vs Ready to Commit, Trust Fund Babies, Movie Industry, Sex - Mentioned, Direction, Self-Actualization, Screenplay, Building the Perfec Charcuterie Board, Author's Contact Information
Rating as a movie: R for adult content including profanity
Songs for the soundtrack: "Kum ba yah" ("Come By Here") by H. Wylie, Taylor Swift
Books and Authors mentioned: Frozen by Jennifer Lee, Jerry Maguire by Cameron Crowe [based on the life of] Leigh Steinberg, Through the Looking-glass and What Alice Found There by Lewis Carroll, Runaway Bride by Sara Parriott and Josann McGibbon, Titanic by James Cameron, Notting Hill by Richard Curtis
My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️½💍🔔🎬
My thoughts: 📱27% 2:57:51 Chapter 8 - Okay this story is hitting. I think I know what's going to happen with Victoria but we'll see.
📱42% 4:40:08 Chapter 12 - This is better than expected and I was spot on about Victoria and Javier.
The daughter's got on my nerves a bit but I still love the story. It was a good time and it's been a while since I've enjoyed a Mallery story this much.
Recommend to others: Yes. This was emotional but fun.
11h narrated by Tanya Eby, 368 pages
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Featuring: Parents, Stuntwoman, Los Angeles, California; Sexagenarians, Vicenarians, Siblings, Family Dynamics, Crossroads, Engaged Couples, Mother-Daughter Relationships, Family Secrets, Wedding Planning, Adoption Story, Affluent Family, Found Family, Not Looking For Commitment vs Ready to Commit, Trust Fund Babies, Movie Industry, Sex - Mentioned, Direction, Self-Actualization, Screenplay, Building the Perfec Charcuterie Board, Author's Contact Information
Rating as a movie: R for adult content including profanity
Songs for the soundtrack: "Kum ba yah" ("Come By Here") by H. Wylie, Taylor Swift
Books and Authors mentioned: Frozen by Jennifer Lee, Jerry Maguire by Cameron Crowe [based on the life of] Leigh Steinberg, Through the Looking-glass and What Alice Found There by Lewis Carroll, Runaway Bride by Sara Parriott and Josann McGibbon, Titanic by James Cameron, Notting Hill by Richard Curtis
My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️½💍🔔🎬
My thoughts: 📱27% 2:57:51 Chapter 8 - Okay this story is hitting. I think I know what's going to happen with Victoria but we'll see.
📱42% 4:40:08 Chapter 12 - This is better than expected and I was spot on about Victoria and Javier.
The daughter's got on my nerves a bit but I still love the story. It was a good time and it's been a while since I've enjoyed a Mallery story this much.
Recommend to others: Yes. This was emotional but fun.
November 5, 2025
This novel is contemporary fiction told with heart and humor and hope. There is some romance within the storyline, but the thrust of the plot is all about mother-daughter relationships and friendships. The four main characters are all fascinating and believable as they muddle through the obstacles to establishing good relationships, including trust. The moms in the story are Ava and Cindy. Ava’s adopted daughter is named Victoria, and she is a firecracker who bucks her mom on just about everything. Cindy’s daughter is Shannon and they are very close, perhaps too close as Shannon wants boundaries and her mom wants to be a part of every piece of her life. The conflicts are intriguing and thought-provoking since they encompass the topics of open adoption and helicopter mothering. I really enjoyed how the author moved smoothly from one character to another, letting me know what was going on in the life of each of them before they encountered one another at a wedding venue. The action was already absorbing and fast-paced, but it quickened even more and kept me turning pages as fast as I could so I could find out how the issues would be resolved. This is a brilliantly written and clever character study as well as a commentary on relationships and how to maintain them in a healthy manner. With insight given in a humorous and genuinely helpful way, this book had me thinking even as I chuckled my way through some of the issues of the four ladies. Although the plot is complex with the intertwining of the lives of the women, I never felt lost but instead I was immersed in each of their lives and clearly able to visualize their difficulty. The multiple layers were part of the charm and what kept me so completely engaged in the novel. This book is unforgettable in its clever plot and dynamic characters and is a definite five plus stars for me. It also lends itself to discussions in book groups and even has a set of questions at the end of the book to start those discussions.
I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a positive review, and all opinions expressed are my own.
I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a positive review, and all opinions expressed are my own.
November 7, 2025
This book is 2.5 stars for me. The story revolves around two mother-daughter sets that run into one another at a venue that does weddings and other special events. The thing is, the two mothers (Ava and Cindy) knew each other 24 years before. Ava and her husband were going to adopt the then-pregnant teenager Cindy's baby. Once Cindy had her baby (Shannon) she fell in love with her and did not allow Ava and Milton to adopt her. Ava and Milton adopted a different daughter (Victoria). They all run into each other at the venue and a very convoluted story ensues.
Victoria always felt like she wasn't good enough for her mom Ava. Which is kind of true because Ava held onto losing Cindy (whom she thought of as a sister) and Shannon through the years. Victoria and Ava have a very strained relationship.
Shannon feels stifled by her mom Cindy who is very caring and does practically everything for her. Shannon gets engaged to Aaron but doesn't tell her mom because she doesn't have the courage to tell Cindy (who is also engaged) that she doesn't want a double-wedding.
These characters are human and they are flawed. They are so annoying, though! A few honest and straight-forward conversations (and probably some therapy) could have fixed a lot between all of these women. Also, I realize this story is about the mother-daughter dynamic but the men in their lives are there. Milton was the best developed of them. Luis, who is Cindy's fiancé is mentioned but there isn't a single scene between him and Cindy. Aaron, Shannon's fiancé is a decent guy, too. Javiar, I honestly don't know what he saw in Victoria. He is kind and generous and sweet. The way she treated him was gross!
The best relationship in this book was the one that developed between Shannon and Victoria. Their friendship had some really good sister-vibes to it that I like a lot. Then, just as it felt like things were coming together and the characters were making progress and having resolution - it ended. It was so abrupt and kind of weird.
Victoria always felt like she wasn't good enough for her mom Ava. Which is kind of true because Ava held onto losing Cindy (whom she thought of as a sister) and Shannon through the years. Victoria and Ava have a very strained relationship.
Shannon feels stifled by her mom Cindy who is very caring and does practically everything for her. Shannon gets engaged to Aaron but doesn't tell her mom because she doesn't have the courage to tell Cindy (who is also engaged) that she doesn't want a double-wedding.
These characters are human and they are flawed. They are so annoying, though! A few honest and straight-forward conversations (and probably some therapy) could have fixed a lot between all of these women. Also, I realize this story is about the mother-daughter dynamic but the men in their lives are there. Milton was the best developed of them. Luis, who is Cindy's fiancé is mentioned but there isn't a single scene between him and Cindy. Aaron, Shannon's fiancé is a decent guy, too. Javiar, I honestly don't know what he saw in Victoria. He is kind and generous and sweet. The way she treated him was gross!
The best relationship in this book was the one that developed between Shannon and Victoria. Their friendship had some really good sister-vibes to it that I like a lot. Then, just as it felt like things were coming together and the characters were making progress and having resolution - it ended. It was so abrupt and kind of weird.
November 18, 2025
Thank you to Harlequin Trade Publishing for the ARC of this book. Susan Mallery has been a favorite author of mine for many years and this book was another heartwarming story. This story follows two sets of mother/daughter pairs. They are parallel stories that do merge once we know the connection. This story had hope, humor, frustration, love and many other emotions.
November 4, 2025
I knew I'd love this book and I was right! Susan Mallery is one of my authors that never disappoints but is never predictable. It has all the feels and some unexpected turns. I highly recommend this book. You'll hate to put it down.
November 25, 2025
Ugh!
This was over 300 pages of privileged women whining about their good lives. They had so much angst over every little thing. They were so committed to paint themselves as victims. Nobody tried to move on or grow up. It was sickening.
This was over 300 pages of privileged women whining about their good lives. They had so much angst over every little thing. They were so committed to paint themselves as victims. Nobody tried to move on or grow up. It was sickening.
September 18, 2025
Love all things Susan Mallery and this did not disappoint! Love this tale of a two mothers and daughters. Mother-Daughter relationship here is your normal Mother running daughters lives, helicopter mom and what if’s – love the twists and turns with their relationships and how the daughters has to really dig within themselves, sometimes realizing their mom’s weren’t all controlling, but supportive and letting them live their lives. Thank you NetGalley for the ARC #SusanMallery #OtherwiseEngaged #NetGalley
January 5, 2026
THE LOVE OF charcuterie BOARDS 🤣🤣🤣
Victoria is 24 and just got in an accident. She was adopted
Milton - father of Victoria. Ava is her mother.
Shannon - Cindy is her mom. Aaron is her boyfriend.
Shannon can’t figure out her life. Aaron is a business owner.
Cindy is also getting married. Cindy and Shannon are like weirdly close
So Cindy tried to give Shannon up for adoption to Ava, but it fell through and that’s why the story connects
Cindy was young and then realized she wanted her
Now they are all having a dinner together
Javier is Louise’s son. Louise is marrying Cindy
Shannon can’t figure out her life. Is working for Cindy.
Victoria is a stunt woman.
Ava and Milton are rich.
Ava. Cindy and Shannon all look so much alike????
Shannon had lunch w Ava.
And kept like a shrine of Shannon
Victoria fell in love w Prescott a movie actress. That’s why she doesn’t do love anymore.
Shannon didn’t tell her mom and Ava dropped the beans on her being married
Victoria is 24 and just got in an accident. She was adopted
Milton - father of Victoria. Ava is her mother.
Shannon - Cindy is her mom. Aaron is her boyfriend.
Shannon can’t figure out her life. Aaron is a business owner.
Cindy is also getting married. Cindy and Shannon are like weirdly close
So Cindy tried to give Shannon up for adoption to Ava, but it fell through and that’s why the story connects
Cindy was young and then realized she wanted her
Now they are all having a dinner together
Javier is Louise’s son. Louise is marrying Cindy
Shannon can’t figure out her life. Is working for Cindy.
Victoria is a stunt woman.
Ava and Milton are rich.
Ava. Cindy and Shannon all look so much alike????
Shannon had lunch w Ava.
And kept like a shrine of Shannon
Victoria fell in love w Prescott a movie actress. That’s why she doesn’t do love anymore.
Shannon didn’t tell her mom and Ava dropped the beans on her being married
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 16, 2026
Susan Mallery delivers another fun rom-com in Otherwise Engaaged. Shannon’s Mom,Cindy, just got engaged and so did her daughter Shannon. Shannon does not want to tell her Mom as she does not want a double wedding. She loves her Mom but, draws the line here. Victoria is the adopted daughter of Ava and Milton and she has never felt loved by her mother. She cannot seem to figure out the disconnect as she is very close to her dad. When out looking at party venues, Shannon and Cindy, Victoria and Ava run into each other and this chance encounter changes everything Shannon and Victoria thought they knew about their life. The characters are great but I gave it 4 stars as there was a lot of rehashing of the plot line. I still loved the book. Enjoy!
November 8, 2025
I just finished reading an advance copy of this book and I loved it!
One decision, 8 lives impacted by that one decision to varying degrees and 4 characters whose lives and feelings are dug into. A number of things are shown skillfully in this novel including how complicated the human relationship can be with other humans. The web of connection was complicated to sort through but this book took us on a delightful journey as it proceeded to sort through the impact of that one decision on the 4 main characters lives.
This book is actually quite engaging and kept me entertained right to the end. Like other books of Susan's that I have read, I was left at the end wanting to know more about the characters and what happens in their lives after the close of the book. Leave it to Susan to get me thinking about a book and its characters even after I'm done reading the book. They literally come to life on the page! (Even the screenplay characters started to have a life of their own! LOL)
One decision, 8 lives impacted by that one decision to varying degrees and 4 characters whose lives and feelings are dug into. A number of things are shown skillfully in this novel including how complicated the human relationship can be with other humans. The web of connection was complicated to sort through but this book took us on a delightful journey as it proceeded to sort through the impact of that one decision on the 4 main characters lives.
This book is actually quite engaging and kept me entertained right to the end. Like other books of Susan's that I have read, I was left at the end wanting to know more about the characters and what happens in their lives after the close of the book. Leave it to Susan to get me thinking about a book and its characters even after I'm done reading the book. They literally come to life on the page! (Even the screenplay characters started to have a life of their own! LOL)
December 12, 2025
I used to really love Susan Mallery books but I have to say the last few haven’t quite lived up to expectations. This one was really slow to get me engaged; in fact, I was halfway through it and still wasn’t “hooked”. The two main women were complete opposites, with one being an absolute doormat and the other being more along the line of “nobody tells me what to do even if I’m cutting my nose off to spite my face”…both of which I dislike.
November 5, 2025
Enjoyed this read very much.The relationship between two mothers and daughters .It had lots of problems as well as beautiful times .would recommend this book.
November 11, 2025
An interesting story about two adopted girls and their adult lives.
December 18, 2025
It took me a bit to like the women here. They grew on me!
January 14, 2026
Very cute.
Anticlimactic
Semilikable characters
Anticlimactic
Semilikable characters
January 18, 2026
Enjoyable but the ending was too abrupt, it needed another chapter or two
December 10, 2025
I LOVE me some Susan Mallery, but this didn't do it for me! The writing felt different and the ending...what was that?! I do want to make more charcuterie boards now! 😝
December 23, 2025
2.5 stars rounded up to 3 stars
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